By Majid Nabi
Srinagar- The authorities have dismissed fears of floods hitting Kashmir Valley this year, despite spells of heavy rainfall raising water level considerably in all major water bodies, including Jhelum and its tributaries for over a fortnight.
Apprehensive of recurrence of catastrophic September 2014 floods that rendered thousands of people homeless, people from worst affected areas of Srinagar including Bemina, Mehjoornagar, Rajbagh, Jawaharnagar, Hyderpora and Natipora urged the administration to inform masses about likelihood of floods well in advance.
“Incessant rains have made us apprehensive of the recurrence of 2014 like floods, while substantial rise in water level in water bodies has added to our concerns. We are mulling to move to safer places in case there is no improvement in weather for the next few days,” Bilal Ahmad, a Mehjoor Nagar resident told Kashmir Observer.
“We have suffered a lot and are not in a position to go through the worst phase yet again,” Tariq Ahmad, a Hyderpora resident said
However, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control (I & FC) department, Naresh Kumar dismissed the flood fears creeping into the minds of 2014 survivors. He said there was no likelihood of flood like situation in Kashmir this year anytime.
“Noting of the sort will happen, what if rains occurred for a few days. Rainfall is important for crops. If there is no rainfall, all the water that the crops need has to be supplied by irrigation,” Kumar said, adding people need to stay calm, flood like situation will not occur this year anytime.
He however was quick to add that the administration is prepared to meet any eventuality.
“Department is to take care of the things. Besides, there are allied department including Revenue department that also works in this direction, hence people are once again requested not to panic and I would like to reiterate that minor rains does not trigger floods. 2014 is gone, its 2022 and we are prepared to meet any eventuality,” he added.
Talking to Kashmir Observer, Director Meteorological Department Sonam Lotus forecast intermittent widespread rainfall on 6th and 7th and light rainfall towards late afternoon or evening on May 8. He however said the widespread rains may trigger flash floods in upper reaches.
Director MeT said that significant improvement is expected from May 8 while weather is likely to remain dry from May 9 to 11 with increase in night temperature.
Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods In Kulgam
Flash flood triggered by a cloudburst on Wednesday created panic in several villages of Devsar in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
An official said that a cloudburst occurred in the upper reaches of Lammar-Hallan area in Devsar on Wednesday afternoon.
“Soon after the cloudburst, there was a sudden down flow of water, creating panic in the area,” he said.
Naib Tehsildar Lammar, Hyder Hussain told a local news agency KNO that no loss of life or injury has been reported in the incident. He termed the situation well under control.
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